The Joint Cotton Industry Bale Packaging Committee is working to decrease bale contamination at the farm level. With plastic being the most frequent contaminant of U.S. cotton bales, Tiller says the committee is proactively approaching the problem to ensure overseas mills continue to request U.S. cotton for its quality and cleanliness.

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During the two day meeting, the Joint Cotton Industry Bale Packaging Committee discussed specifications for bagging and ties. In 2003, 91 percent of U.S. cotton bales were wrapped in some form of plastic material. According to Tiller, contamination from these bags can be reduced.